E140A Course Term Project Assignment
Spring Quarter

Introduction:

As Steve Blank said in his "Secret History of Silicon Valley" session, crisis is often a catalyst for innovation. This is particularly relevant to entrepreneurs in today's world, where crises range from preventing nuclear terror to providing access to clean water. As current and aspiring entrepreneurs, we have an obligation to learn about and address these issues with our creativity and drive.

Term Project Overview:

The purpose of the Term Project is to provide a compelling deep dive into cutting edge technology sectors that support venture and entrepreneurship. We will be splitting up into six teams of two, and you will have the chance to chose your own partner based on your interests. Each team will take on a particular "Grand Challenge," as put forth by the National Academy of Engineering and become experts on the technologies and sectors that are working to address the particular challenge. Through the exploration of these Grand Challenges, we hope that each team gets a comprehesive understanding of a particular sector, whether it be green tech, life sciences, mobile technology, internet technology, etc. After picking one of the challenges, the project team should articulate the big questions in science and technology as well as market needs (real or latent). This should lead to identifying how entrepreneurs are recognizing these opportunities now and how they potentially could play a role in the coming decade.Then, at the end of the quarter, each team will present their findings to the entire class, so that we all can benefit from their intensive research. The format of this deliverable will be mutually decided on by the class. We want you to be as creative as possible!

Please look over the Summit on the National Academy of Engineering Grand Challenges. These sessions will most likely prove to be a great resource for all of you.

Please see Session 18 for the deliverables for this project.

Grand Challenge Teams